FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Chicago, IL – May 17, 2024 – As the Founder and CEO of Chicago LSD Radio, I, Daniel Perez, have been leading a significant community effort to block the establishment of Johnsons Chicago, a controversial male strip club originally based in Florida, from opening in Chicago or participating in the Chicago Pride Parade. Our petition aims to prevent Johnsons Chicago from establishing itself in the city and participating in community events due to a series of deeply troubling practices and behaviors associated with the business and its owner, Matt Colunga. The petition has garnered over 1,500 signatures from concerned community members and allies. Today I am coming to you to update you regarding the recent developments and our next steps.  

At a recent meeting of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, it was confirmed that Johnsons Chicago will not be purchasing Berlin Nightclub. Jim Schuman, the owner of Berlin, clarified that he has never been in talks with Johnsons or its owner, contradicting Colunga's false claims about the business replacing Berlin. This revelation further underscores the deceptive tactics employed by Johnsons Chicago. 

Instead, Jim Schuman is in talks to sell Berlin to Arthur Hood, a businessman from Texas who owns Fantasy Nightclub and Bobby Love’s in Northalsted. Hood has stated his intention to maintain the new nightclub as a safe space for the queer community. He emphasized that while he did have a conversation with Colunga about allowing Johnsons to operate within the space, no agreement was made, and the talks have ended. According to an interview Colunga had with Windy City Times, Matt claimed he is looking into other locations in Andersonville and throughout the city. 

Additionally, as of May 16th, 2024, Johnsons is not registered as a business in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Secretary of State. Given the Pride Parade's requirements to prioritize local businesses and LGBTQIA+ organizations, Johnsons Chicago should not be allowed to participate in the parade.  So, on May 16th, we sent an email to the Chicago Pride Parade Committee voicing these updates and our disagreement with Johnsons Chicago participating in the parade. The organizers responded, stating that to date, the list of participants has not yet been finalized. 

Moving forward, Chicago LSD Radio calls on all supporters of equality and inclusivity to join in voicing their opposition to Johnsons Chicago, to prevent them from opening anywhere else in the city. We will also be writing our opposition to the Chicago City Commissioner to inform them of this proposed business potentially attempting to open in the city. The aim is to ensure that businesses operating within our city align with the values of respect, safety, and inclusivity. 

I would lastly like to thank everyone, especially Lux, Graham, Sean, Krist, Wes, and my board of Directors for their continued support in ensuring accountability is held for current and future business openings in our community.  
 
Best Regards,  
Daniel Perez 
Founder/CEO Chicago LSD Radio NFP.